α-Cortolone

α-Cortolone, a metabolite of the glucocorticoid cortisol (hydrocortisone), is produced through the action of 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20α-HSD) via a tetrahydrocortisone (THE) intermediate. Studies indicate that urinary levels of α-cortolone are reduced in patients experiencing severe anorexia nervosa and postmenopausal women diagnosed with endometrial adenocarcinoma, in comparison to postmenopausal women without the condition.